Winter covers...do they help gain MPG back?

[s3gulit]

My 06 LBZ didn't come with a winter cover from the factory, lately its been getting colder ( a nice change compared to 90* in the summer and late fall). Had some snow today and high teens wont be too far off.

Before the cold spree, i was getting 20-21mpg in 60-75* ambient temps, now with high's in the mid 30's i've noticed a fairly steep drop-off. Used to get 600miles per tank, now im lucky if i get 500-550.

One thing i noticed, is my engine temp is barely 170-175*F when cruising at 75mph down the interstate, usually it runs quite a bit hotter. Leading me to believe this is my reason for lost mpg.

So, does a winter cover help? Top and bottom, or would just the top cover do it?

 

[Redbowties88]

im sure some of your issues are from the use of winter fuel..

also on mine at leat while its warming up (about until the converter locks) i get terrible mileage but then gets better after warming

 

[scratchrob13]

Helps warm it up, but make sure you take it off when towing.

Winter fuel is circulating as well... which leads to decreased mpg's

 

[workin' diesel]

In theory they should. I use one on my truck. It is an aftermarket one that jusct covers the grill. I usually have my plow on the front and that covers up even more. I have noticed that if I have it on, the truck warms a a bit faster. As for milage I have not noticed, but by the time all is said and done with snow equipment, I am hauling nearly a ton of stuff.

 

[maxxflip]

They do help some..keeps engine closer to proper operating temp, increasing efficiency.
$600 up here for a factory cover form GM

 

[stacks04]

I use one have since I go the truck. It warms up alot quicker and stays warm longer when idling, I do alot of that plowing. I usually put mine on in october and leave it on through march/april. These things dont get to hot and in 40-50* temps it will never get over 200*. If I tow it comes off unless its real cold. I have a spare I am willing to part with so shoot me a pm for pricing.

 

[s3gulit]

Picked one up from our new dealer (we dropped all business with our old dealer because they dont give a damn and wont even search into solutions regarding our 08 and B20 issues).

$100 for the OEM top cover, heats up a hell of alot faster! Will find out if this was my cause for any lost mpg...thanks for the input guys.

 

[Dalyfarms]

I would be interested in hearing the results, I have seen my engine temp really drop when it's below 0. not a good feeling at 2-3 am in the middle of nowhere. ha ha

 

[Dozerboy]

Like other said it will helps some but more idling and winter fuel is the main culprit. Its enough though that I put mine on down here for our month of "winter".

 

[s3gulit]

Our diesel supplier has just switched to winter non-bio fuel. The added 8cents/gallon isn't making me very happy if i fill at their station. Going to continue to run B20 from the OTR farm tank until it runs dry.

Heavy dose of John Deere Bio winter additive (only thing we've found that works with higher %) and we will see. Just filled up at 2am so we'll see. Last tank netted me 465miles using 26.5gallons without additive or the cover.

 

[Dozerboy]

I've had good luck with Howes if you mix it strong enough even B100 won't gel.

 

[MACKIN]

Like other said it will helps some but more idling and winter fuel is the main culprit. Its enough though that I put mine on down here for our month of "winter".

Ya this is it in a nut shell. You aren't going to see anything running the cover over the grill. I never used the bumper cover that is suppose to help with cold air entering the intercooler.

IMO here in the North-East there is no reason to switch blends. It really doesn't get cold enough. I always run a additive also nonetheless